LIVE from the CROWN PRINCESS - Dec. 14th to 21st, 2013

[Pia1913]

Welcome aboard the Crown Princess as we begin our short 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise. We boarded at pier 2 and it was quick and easy. I haven’t looked around much yet, but the ship so far appears to be in good shape. For us it’s been 5 years since our last Crown cruise.

For those who are interested in the wine situation, I carried on 2 bottles in a wine sack; openly. Before going thru xray screening they told me to go over to the table when I exited. I didn’t. Our friends were carrying one bottle only in their carryon and they were told to see the table lady. They did. I’m bad; they’re good.

　

Capt. McCharming, a/k/a Tony Yeomans was scheduled to be our Captain and I was looking forward to seeing him one more time before his retirement. I understand though he has already left, though his name is listed as captain in the Patter. We’ll find out eventually. Our CD is Lisa Ball and Hotel Mgr. is Andreas Pitsch.

　

We just finished muster; were back in our cabin by 4;00. Announcement was made that we will be first ship to leave; there are lots of ships in port. He also stated that we might have some rocky seas tonight.

　

Our friends like to have lunch in the DR first day, so we did. I can eat a hamburger anywhere. Our mini bar was messed up a bit, but all’s well now. Room steward is personable; hope he’s as efficient. Luggage came quickly; everything in its place. Mike is sitting on the balcony we weren’t supposed to have (got upgraded 4 days ago from obstructed OV to Caribe balcony) and all’s well with the world.

Other than the usual Welcome Aboard Show, tonight’s entertainment is The Wolverine on MUTS. Nothing going on in Fusion. Colin Salter is in Crooners, Mix of Moods is in Explorers and Cinnamoon in Wheelhouse.

Nothing else to report. Clocks go ahead tonight and tomorrow we’re in Princess Cays.

Ship has just started to move. Bye

[Lin336]

Bon Voyage!

[cbreit]

Can't wait to read everything as we were just on the Crown over Thanksgiving.. Have a wonderful trip - Grand Turk was our favorite port - too crowded at St. Maarten & St. Thomas!

[lor74]

Thanks for posting! Can you keep us informed during the week if there are any issues with the a/c or toilets......which has been a topic of discussion on the Crown for the past month.

 

Have a great cruise

 

Thanks!

[Pam in CA]

Have a great cruise, Pia! :)

[tjwa]

Tony retired in July.

[queensquared]

Hope your trip is fantastic! We've been following your "Live from......" Posts for the last few cruises and want you to know how much we enjoy them. We're doing the TA on the Emerald in October, and were THRILLED to realize you'll be on as well. Cannot wait to meet you!!!!!!

Nancy & Yvonne from snowy and cold Kansas

[FritzG]

Hooray for another Live From with Pia. It will help me throught the cold winter temperatures in NE Ohio until my cruise on Jan. 8th.

[aquilegia]

Tony retired in July.

 

He was still on the Crown on our cruise in October. Can't recall when he said he was retiring, but within the next few months anyway.

[rdsqrl]

Enjoy that Caribe balcony! I wish you properly chilled wine, a steward who brings you pool towels without asking [Leo, are you listening??], and delectable chicken and broccoli!

[jetstorm]

We'll be on the crown next week so we're very happy to hear everything about your cruise. What time did you arrive at the port and would you suggest we arrive at that time or after or before? Please keep us advised of anything we "can't" miss and of course any problems that might (hopefully not) arise. Have a wonderful trip.

[High C's]

Bon Voyage, Pia and Mike!!

[Ren1216]

Have a GREAT cruise.... we'll be anxiously awaiting your reports :)

Thanks for taking the time.

[tequilasunrise]

Thanks for the Live! It's good to be cruising again ;)

[bronxgirl25]

David and I are on board with Pia and Mike. We are the good ones. :p Pia was informed earlier that Capt Yeomans IS on board. So far everything is ship shape. Toilets working well and we had to raise the a/c because we were chilly.

[westendgirl]

Pia's Live From - thanks for the early Christmas present. Happy sails and (pinot) cheers to you and Mike!

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Have a great cruise .

[Sailingpeace]

Thank you Pia for taking us along with this thread. Great timing to hear about a sunny cruise as 5 inches of snow is startng to fall as I look out the window.

Have a great cruise!

Edited December 15, 2013 by Sailingpeace

[Cruiserkenn]

David and I are on board with Pia and Mike. We are the good ones. :p Pia was informed earlier that Capt Yeomans IS on board. So far everything is ship shape. Toilets working well and we had to raise the a/c because we were chilly.

 

Thanks for the good news about the AC and the plumbing!

 

You really are the good ones:)

 

Enjoy :)

[Keith1010]

Bon Voyage!

 

Keith

[Pia1913]

Good Sunday morning as we approach Princess Cays. Yawn Yawn, I am tired. Always hate losing that hour. Since my routine remains the same, so does rising in the AM., so as to get the gym out of the way. Talking about gym, there are 12 treadmills that cannot be used until 8 AM, so this may be really difficult for me. I have just returned to my cabin; rather hang out here. Also, the air up there doesn’t feel too good.

More Captain info: Yeomans is here. (Marcia already told you). As I understand it, he did in fact leave and has just returned. But I do know he will fully retire within the next few weeks.

Toilet and A/C info: so far so good. In fact, A/C in our cabin is colder than we need. We are on deck 10 forward port side.

Annie: Ate the broccoli; chicken just marginal. I will survive.

,

So what’s happening today? I assume the majority of passengers will be tendering to the Cays and we will have a quiet day on board. We don’t do beach. Not very much going on, but that’s fine with us. There is a MUTS movie A Christmas Story at 11:30, but as a PG not sure if it would hold our interest. If we happen to be in the “neighborhood,” we’ll take a peek.

　

Talking about MUTS, today is a complete football day on the big screen. Patriots and Dolphins at 2:00, Packers vs. Cowboys at 5:25, and Bengals vs. Steelers at 9:15. There will be other movies today such as Wolverine in the theater (2 PM), again in your cabin at 7 PM and also in your cabin at 9 PM, “The Spanish Prisoner.” That’s where we will probably be tonight; in our cabin. Or in the casino. Showtime is a female vocalist. We don’t care for solo vocalists, whether they be male or female. Fusion will have a Rock n Roll night beginning at 9:15.

I skipped to the evening before mentioning the day, but nothing really going on other than games, and spa stuff for sale. There’s golf chipping, Scattagories, Taboo, Wii bowling, etc. Line dancing in late afternoon and rum tasting too; conflicting with each other.

　

Need to mention Christmas. A tree was lit in the Piazza last night but I’m not seeing any real decorations. Perhaps more will surface in the days to come. Also need to mention the fact that Capt. Had told us to expect a bit of a wiggle. If there was any during the night, I certainly didn’t feel it. Right now we’re moving a little, but no real rocking.

Over and out for now. Chomping at the bit. Going back to the gym to wait.

[WendyG]

Have a wonderful cruise. Nice upgrade :) I also laughed at your I'm bad they're good" comment. We did the same thing, had the 'legal ' amount of wine so I didn't go the the table they told me to. I'm bad too. :)

Hope you have a fab week!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[GweninTX]

David and I are on board with Pia and Mike. We are the good ones. :p Pia was informed earlier that Capt Yeomans IS on board. So far everything is ship shape. Toilets working well and we had to raise the a/c because we were chilly.

 

 

Hope you have a great time Marcia! Jealous that you are cruising, but know you will have fun in the warm weather

[TorontoTL]

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise Pia. I was starting to get concerned that I would go into withdrawal with the end of Dave's live from.

[Pia1913]

Just popping in with updated info which I know you were holding your breath waiting for. Hahaha

1. I was mistaken about the treadmills. My eyes saw 8. It’s really nine. Horrors! Those 12 treadmills cannot be used until 9:00 AM! I expect no availability on a sea day.

2. Most Traveled Luncheon is tomorrow. Captain Circle party is Thursday night (formal) and wine tasting is Friday afternoon. I don’t know the stats yet.

3. Piazza is decorated and there is one wreath outside of Wheelhouse near Captain’s Circle desk and also a tree a bit towards the Atrium. I saw nothing up on Lido, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.

　

Will be back when there’s something meaningful to report or even if there’s nothing to say. You know my fingers have a will of their own. :)

Ciao.